Anyone who's attended Sasquatch!, which was founded in 2002, will tell you it's worth a trip just to experience the venue. The Gorge in central Washington is a natural amphitheater with stunning views overlooking the Columbia River Basin. In addition to having a commendably diverse lineup – 2016 headliners include pop group Florence and the Machine, EDM’s Disclosure, and blues-rock band Alabama Shakes – Sasquatch is one of the country's smaller pop festivals welcoming roughly 30,000 people over four days. This is one you'll want to prepare well for – it's hot during the day and cold at night, and you can expect to do a good bit of hiking between the stages and campground.

Few things sound better than relaxing on a beach. That is, of course, except for raging a music festival on a beach. Now in its seventh year, Hangout Fest is held on Gulf Shores Public Beach, providing a unique backdrop for enjoying live music. In fact, the Gulf of Mexico isn't just a background because festival attendees can also take a dip. The lineup features an eclectic mix of 80-plus bands across seven stages, ranging from rock and country to electronic and reggae. Headliners include The Weeknd, Lenny Kravitz, HAIM, Jason Isbell and Calvin Harris. This is not a camping festival, so don't worry about constantly having sand in your shorts.

Named for the tiny South Texas town where it’s resided since 2009, UTOPiAfest utilizes the expansive Four Sisters Ranch in the Hill Country, which includes a natural amphitheater. That will be one of several alternating stages for music. Sets will not overlap, so festgoers can catch every band’s performance. With a capacity of 2,000 people, UTOPiAfest has a DIY atmosphere – it’s BYOB, boasts free water and offers other activities, such as disc golf, yoga classes, a silent disco and kid workshops. Yes, you can bring the little ones as long as they are OK with camping. Headliners for the 2016 event have yet to be announced.

If you're looking for a weekend packed full of superstars, Bonnaroo is the best bet. For 15 years, the fest has built a reputation as the Coachella of the Eastern U.S., drawing names that you might pay a similar ticket price to see one band for just one night. For example, Pearl Jam, Dead and Company and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis are just some of this year’s star attractions. There are plenty of other attractions aside from the main stages, such as the iconic mushroom water fountain, a silent disco and the comedy theater that has hosted the likes of Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Flight of the Conchords. (Comedians for 2016 include Judd Apatow and Bridget Everett.) The one caveat to Bonnaroo's popularity is the crowd size – upwards of 80,000 people show up for the fun. This festival is camping only.

Since its founding in 2012, Firefly has been on an upward trajectory toward being the hottest new festival in the Northeast. Last year marked the biggest installment yet at roughly 90,000 attendees, who not only experienced a mixed bag of indie and mainstream musicians, but also other scenic attractions on 150-plus acres of forest at The Woodlands at Dover International Speedway. There's also an air-conditioned lounge that serves exclusively Dogfish Head Brewery beers. Campgrounds are located in a different section of the Speedway's 750 acres, but there are also hotels nearby. Who’s performing this year? Expect rocking sets from Kings of Leon, Mumford & Sons, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tame Impala and Two Door Cinema Club.

Southern California is where festival-goers can find their fix of boots-and-cats this July. Founded in 2007 as a New Year’s Eve party, Hard Summer has grown into one of the premiere destinations for electronic music lovers. Call it a rave if you will – there will undoubtedly be millennials in fishnets, lingerie, furry boots, candy accessories and swinging glow sticks. But the lineup has its share of surprises, for example, rapper Ice Cube, who is headlining on July 30. The jazz-inspired sound of hip-hop artist Anderson Paak will also provide a reprieve from the beats that day. The event takes place at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., outside of Los Angeles, and camping is not allowed.

Stretch out your fingers for what should be a marathon of hand horning. Rocklahoma celebrates its 10th anniversary to the tune of 90 quintessential rock gods including Disturbed, Rob Zombie, The Sword, Megadeath, 3 Doors Down and Chevelle. The three-day event takes place over Memorial Day weekend in Pryor, Okla., outside of Tulsa, and camping is available.